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Angry Again
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| "Angry Again" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Megadeth | ||||
| from the album Last Action Hero: Music from the Original Motion Picture and Hidden Treasures | ||||
| Released | June 14, 1993[1] | |||
| Recorded | 1993 | |||
| Genre | Heavy metal | |||
| Length | 3:47 | |||
| Label | Columbia | |||
| Songwriter | Dave Mustaine | |||
| Producers | Dave Mustaine, Max Norman | |||
| Megadeth singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
"Angry Again" is a 1993 heavy metal song by Megadeth, written by frontman Dave Mustaine. The song was written exclusively for inclusion in the 1993 satirical action film Last Action Hero, directed by John McTiernan and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The track featured on the film's soundtrack.[2] "Angry Again" never appeared on any of the band's official studio albums but was included on their 1995 EP, Hidden Treasures, and several later compilations.[3]
The song was a financial success; it charted well and was positively received by critics.[4] It was nominated for "Best Metal Performance" at the 1993 Grammy Awards, which was the band's fourth consecutive nomination in the category.[5] It became a fan favorite and continues to be played live on a semi-regular basis.[6][7]
Development
[edit]Dave Mustaine wrote "Angry Again" in one day, penning the lyrics while half asleep, listening to the melody of "Should I Stay or Should I Go" by The Clash.[8] The song was initially recorded during the Countdown to Extinction tour but wasn't actually featured on the album.[citation needed] When Mustaine wrote the song, he was angry with his band, promoters, and a lot of different parts of the organization, and had problems with drug use at the time. The culmination of his stress and problems inspired him to write the track, which was appropriately titled "Angry Again".[8] According to Mustaine, he wrote the song during a spur of the moment: "I wrote 'Angry Again' right after I got out of a treatment center in Arizona. They had done one of those happy little 1990s interventions where everybody who's not loaded gets to point the finger at everyone who is. And the day I got out of rehab, they threw me into a studio in Phoenix where I wrote 'Angry Again' for the movie The Last Action Hero."[9]
"Angry Again" was written for inclusion in the film Last Action Hero, which was expected to be a blockbuster. The film had followed the success of Arnold Schwarzenegger's previous film, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and was directed by John McTiernan, the filmmaker behind popular films like Predator, Die Hard, and The Hunt for Red October, and had an $85-million production budget.[10] The movie, however, was viewed as a large financial disappointment in its theatrical release, earning only $137,298,489 worldwide, and was considered a flop.[11] Though panned by several critics,[12][13] Last Action Hero became a cult classic several years later.[14]
Despite the financial failure of the film itself, its soundtrack was very successful, featuring popular hits like "Big Gun" by AC/DC, which was a number one on Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks;[15] "What the Hell Have I" by Alice in Chains; and songs by Anthrax, Aerosmith, Buckethead, Queensrÿche, and Def Leppard.[8] "Big Gun" was also, however, nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Original Song, but lost to "Whoomp! (There It Is)" from Addams Family Values.[16] "Angry Again" charted on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart as well, at number eighteen,[4] and was the best-received song on the album in terms of critical reception.[5]
Reception
[edit]The album for Last Action Hero got good reviews,[8] and "Angry Again" received a nomination for "Best Metal Performance" at the 1993 Grammy Awards, the fourth consecutive nomination by the band, out of the eight nominations the band has received in total.[5] It was nominated against Iron Maiden's "Fear of the Dark", Suicidal Tendencies's "Institutionalized", and White Zombie's "Thunder Kiss '65", losing the award to Ozzy Osbourne's "I Don't Want to Change the World", which became Ozzy's first Grammy win.[5] Megadeth continued to be nominated two more times in a row and was later nominated five more times in total, tying them as the most nominated band in the category, with Metallica.[5]
The song became a live staple for Megadeth in the 1990s and appeared on the 1995 EP Hidden Treasures, which debuted at ninety on the Billboard 200 and featured two additional Grammy-nominated songs by Megadeth.[3] The song developed a fan following within the Megadeth community and became a fan favorite, being featured on the 2005 album Greatest Hits: Back to the Start. Fans voted on the track listing on the album, and "Angry Again" came in at number five, beating out more well-known songs like "Hangar 18" and "Symphony of Destruction".[6] It also appeared on further compilations, such as That One Night: Live in Buenos Aires, Arsenal of Megadeth, Anthology: Set the World Afire, and Warchest.[17] The track continues to be played live and remains a semi-regular staple, praised for Mustaine's unique vocal performance.[7]
Music video
[edit]"Angry Again" was accompanied by a music video, directed by Wayne Isham, who directed several other Megadeth videos, including "Train of Consequences", "Sweating Bullets", "99 Ways to Die", and "Symphony of Destruction".[18] The video, which was played heavily by MTV, contains shots of each of the band members in very foggy and atmospheric shots and is intercut with scenes from Last Action Hero. The video promoted the song, band, and the film.[19]
Charts
[edit]| Chart (1993) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)[20] | 18 |
Personnel
[edit]- Dave Mustaine – vocals, rhythm guitar
- Marty Friedman – lead guitar
- David Ellefson – bass
- Nick Menza – drums
References
[edit]- ^ Russell, Deborah (May 22, 1993). "Sony in Overdrive for 'Hero' Tie-Ins". Billboard. p. 122. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
- ^ Birchmeier, Jason (August 8, 2004). "Last Action Hero Original Soundtrack". Allmusic. Retrieved November 9, 2010.
- ^ a b Stephen Thomas Erlewine (August 16, 2004). "Hidden Treasures". Allmusic. Retrieved November 9, 2010.
- ^ a b "Megadeth > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles". Allmusic. Macrovision. Retrieved January 5, 2009.
- ^ a b c d e "Awards Database". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 26, 2009.
- ^ a b Jason Birchmeier (June 28, 2005). "Greatest Hits: Back to the Start [Bonus DVD]". Allmusic. Retrieved November 9, 2010.
- ^ a b Andrew Bansal (November 6, 2010). "MEGADETH Enthralls Arizona With Last North American Show Of The Year". Metalassault.com. Archived from the original on November 10, 2010. Retrieved November 7, 2010.
- ^ a b c d "23 Questions With Dave Mustaine, 9/4/01 - Metal Sludge". Archived from the original on July 25, 2018. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- ^ "DAVE MUSTAINE Talks About Songwriting Process for New Album". Blabbermouth.net. December 24, 2008. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- ^ Pristin, Terry (June 30, 1993). "'Last Action': Too Many Heroes? : Big-Name Star, Director and Writers--So What Happened?". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
- ^ "'Hero' Fails to Conquer Box Office". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
- ^ "Last Action Hero". Variety. December 31, 1992. Retrieved October 28, 2010.
- ^ Canby, Vincent (June 18, 1993). "Review/Film: Last Action Hero; A Hero Within and Without". The New York Times. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
- ^ Andersen, Kurt (July 5, 1993). "How to Run a Movie Studio". Time. Archived from the original on December 24, 2007. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
- ^ "AC/DC Billboard Singles". Allmusic. Retrieved April 4, 2008.
- ^ "1994 Razzies". IMDb. 2004. Retrieved November 9, 2010.
- ^ "MEGADETH: 'Warchest' Box Set Due in October". Blabbermouth.net. 2008. Retrieved November 9, 2010.
- ^ "Wayne Isham's IMDb page". IMDb.com. Retrieved October 15, 2010.
- ^ "Megadeth-Angry Again". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 15, 2010. Retrieved October 15, 2010.
- ^ "Megadeth Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard.
External links
[edit]- Music video on YouTube
- Megadeth's official website
Angry Again
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
"Angry Again" is a heavy metal song by the American thrash metal band Megadeth, written by frontman Dave Mustaine and released in 1993 as part of the soundtrack for the satirical action film Last Action Hero, directed by John McTiernan and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.[1] The track, produced by Mustaine and Max Norman, features the band's lineup at the time: Mustaine on vocals and guitar, Marty Friedman on lead guitar, David Ellefson on bass, and Nick Menza on drums.[2] Clocking in at 3:47, it showcases Megadeth's signature aggressive riffs, rapid tempo, and themes of frustration and inner conflict, drawing from Mustaine's personal experiences with band tensions, promotional issues, and substance struggles during the Countdown to Extinction tour.[3]
The song was issued as a promotional single by Columbia Records on June 14, 1993, and peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, marking one of Megadeth's notable non-album releases.[4] It received a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance at the 36th Annual Grammy Awards in 1994, though it lost to Ozzy Osbourne's "I Don't Want to Change the World".[5] Accompanied by a music video directed by Wayne Isham—which intercuts band performance footage with clips from the film—"Angry Again" became a live staple for Megadeth throughout the 1990s, performed over 500 times in concert.[6] The track was later included on the band's 1995 EP Hidden Treasures, a compilation of rarities that debuted at number 90 on the Billboard 200.[7]
Despite not appearing on a full studio album until later reissues and compilations like Greatest Hits: Back to the Start (2004), "Angry Again" remains a fan favorite, praised for its hook-laden chorus and Mustaine's raw vocal delivery, and continues to highlight Megadeth's influence in the thrash metal genre.[8]
Background and development
Association with Last Action Hero
"Angry Again" was commissioned specifically for the soundtrack of the 1993 action-comedy film Last Action Hero, directed by John McTiernan and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.[9] The song was written exclusively by Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine for the film's soundtrack. Its aggressive tone and lyrics complemented the movie's satirical examination of action film tropes and Hollywood excess.[10] Last Action Hero was released on June 18, 1993, with a production budget of $85 million.[11] The film grossed $137.3 million worldwide but was initially considered a box office disappointment due to high expectations and competition from other major releases.[12] Over time, it has achieved cult status for its meta-humor and self-aware critique of the genre.[13] The soundtrack album, Last Action Hero: Music from the Original Motion Picture, was released on June 8, 1993, by Columbia Records.[14] It featured contributions from various rock and metal acts, including AC/DC with "Big Gun," Alice in Chains with "What the Hell Have I," and Queensrÿche with "Real World."[15] Megadeth's "Angry Again" served as a key track, highlighting the album's blend of hard rock and heavy metal to match the film's energetic, over-the-top style.[16]Writing process
Dave Mustaine composed "Angry Again" in a single day in 1993, immediately following his completion of a drug rehabilitation program at a treatment center in Arizona.[17] Mustaine explained: "I wrote 'Angry Again' right after I got out of a treatment center in Arizona. They had done one of those happy little 1990s interventions where everybody loves you and they tell you that you need to change your life. I was so angry that I went back to the studio and wrote 'Angry Again' in one day."[17] The song's creation was fueled by Mustaine's personal frustrations, including anger toward his bandmates, promoters, and broader organizational issues within Megadeth during the post-Countdown to Extinction era, a time marked by internal tensions following the 1992 album's release.[3] He aimed to craft a high-energy piece that aligned with the movie's intense, satirical themes.[3] Mustaine handled the primary songwriting himself, with no major co-writers credited, and the initial demo required minimal revisions before recording.[3]Composition and lyrics
Musical structure and style
"Angry Again" is a thrash metal and heavy metal track characterized by its aggressive riffs and fast-paced rhythm, clocking in at a tempo of 128 beats per minute (BPM) in E♭ minor and E♭ standard tuning.[18][19] The song exemplifies Megadeth's signature sound through dual guitar harmonies and intricate riffing, delivering a snarling, high-energy assault that aligns with the band's technical thrash metal style during the early 1990s.[20] The musical structure follows a conventional verse-chorus format, opening with a punchy intro riff that sets an immediate tone of intensity, followed by two verses, repeated choruses, a bridge section, and a standout guitar solo before returning to the final chorus and outro.[21] With a total runtime of 3:47, the arrangement maintains momentum through its concise progression, emphasizing rhythmic drive and melodic tension release.[22] Instrumentation features lead vocals and rhythm guitar handled by Dave Mustaine, lead guitar by Marty Friedman, bass by David Ellefson, and drums by Nick Menza, creating a tight, layered soundscape typical of the band's lineup at the time.[2] A notable highlight is Friedman's intricate guitar solo, which showcases technical proficiency through rapid scalar runs and harmonic interplay, underscoring the track's emphasis on virtuosic metal elements. The production, overseen by Max Norman, imparts a polished yet aggressive tone, enhancing the clarity of the guitars and overall dynamics.[23][2]Themes and interpretation
"Angry Again" is a song written solely by Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine, with lyrics that delve into cycles of frustration and introspection. The verses depict a protagonist grappling with deception and self-awareness, as seen in lines like "The more of you that I inspect / The more of me I see reflect," highlighting how external scrutiny reveals internal turmoil.[17] Another pivotal phrase, "The more I see the more I do," captures escalating frustration that propels reactive behavior, underscoring a theme of anger as both catalyst and consequence.[17] At its core, the song examines personal rage intertwined with broader elements of corruption, portrayed through imagery such as "the more the mask you're wearing rips" symbolizing the exposure of hidden falsehoods and evoking anxieties over betrayal and ethical overload.[3] This perspective aligns with interpretations viewing the track as a commentary on the psychological strain induced by pervasive corruption.[3] Mustaine composed the lyrics shortly after completing rehabilitation in Arizona, channeling his resentment from a forced intervention and conflicts with bandmates, promoters, and industry elements into a raw expression of post-recovery volatility.[3] Poetic devices amplify the song's emotional intensity: the chorus repeats "Angry again" to stress the relentless return of fury, creating a hypnotic reinforcement of cyclical rage.[17] Metaphors of sensory overload, like "my ears are overcome with noise" and "enforce a mental overload," further illustrate the overwhelming nature of confrontation and inner conflict, blending personal vendetta with broader rebellious undertones common in thrash metal.[17]Release and promotion
Soundtrack release
"Angry Again" was released as part of the Last Action Hero soundtrack album on June 8, 1993, by Columbia Records.[14] The album included the track as its third song and was distributed in formats such as CD, cassette, and vinyl.[24] The song appeared alongside contributions from various rock and metal artists, including AC/DC with "Big Gun," Alice in Chains with "What the Hell Have I," Queensrÿche with "Real World," Def Leppard with "Two Steps Behind," Anthrax with "Poison My Eyes," Tesla with "Last Action Hero," and others like Aerosmith, Cypress Hill, and Fishbone.[24] At the time, "Angry Again" was not featured on any of Megadeth's primary studio albums, making it an exclusive addition to the soundtrack.[25] To promote the track in conjunction with the film's release, a promotional single was issued on CD for radio stations on June 14, 1993, highlighting the song's high-energy thrash metal style.[26] This rollout aimed to capitalize on the movie's marketing efforts, driving airplay through the intensity of Mustaine's performance and the band's signature sound.[27]Music video
The music video for "Angry Again" was directed by Wayne Isham and released in 1993 to promote the song's inclusion on the Last Action Hero soundtrack.[6] It premiered alongside the film's marketing campaign and received significant airplay on music television networks during the mid-1990s.[28] The video's content centers on high-energy performance footage of Megadeth, captured in a dimly lit, foggy studio setting that underscores the song's intense thrash metal style.[29] These band shots are intercut with key scenes from Last Action Hero, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger in action sequences such as car chases and explosive confrontations, creating a symbiotic promotion of both the track and the movie.[6] The editing emphasizes rapid transitions between the band's aggressive instrumentation—highlighted by close-ups of Dave Mustaine's vocals and guitar riffs—and the film's high-stakes visuals, running approximately 4 minutes in length to match the song's duration.[6] Production for the video was closely aligned with Last Action Hero's promotional efforts, incorporating licensed film footage to blend Megadeth's live-like performance with cinematic elements.[30] The visual approach employs dramatic, low-light staging and quick-paced cuts to amplify the track's themes of rage and frustration, evoking a sense of chaotic energy that mirrors the movie's satirical action narrative.[6]Reception
Critical reception
Upon its release on the Last Action Hero soundtrack in 1993, "Angry Again" garnered mixed critical attention, with reviewers noting its accessible thrash metal style amid the era's shifting musical landscape. A 2009 Sputnikmusic assessment of the soundtrack described the track as "fairly mediocre" for Megadeth standards, citing its heavy but mid-tempo riffs and Dave Mustaine's talk/sing vocal delivery as hallmarks of a "radio friendly" approach that sacrifices technical complexity and surprises typically found in the band's work. Critics have frequently compared "Angry Again" to Megadeth's earlier hit "Symphony of Destruction" for shared elements like infectious hooks and guitar solos, positioning it as a slick, riff-driven successor in the band's more commercial phase. A review on Rate Your Music emphasized this parallel, calling it a "very riff driven track" that, like its predecessor, balances headbangable aggression with an ease of accessibility verging on danceable.[22] Retrospective analyses have solidified its reputation as a strong entry in Megadeth's discography, often highlighting its energetic riffs and Mustaine's commanding vocals. Songfacts underscores the song's thematic depth, rooted in Mustaine's frustrations with bandmates, promoters, and organizational issues during the Countdown to Extinction tour, lending emotional weight to its explosive delivery.[3] In a 2018 No Recess Magazine piece marking the soundtrack's 25th anniversary, the track was praised as superior to most Megadeth songs following their 1990 album Rust in Peace.[31]Commercial performance
"Angry Again" was released as a promotional single in 1993 and peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart that year. The track did not achieve notable positions on other major international charts. The promotional release of the single primarily fueled radio airplay rather than physical sales, as it was not issued commercially as a standalone product. Included on the Last Action Hero soundtrack album, which entered the Billboard 200 at number 12 and peaked at number 7, the soundtrack was certified gold by the RIAA on August 24, 1993, denoting 500,000 units shipped in the United States, though no specific certifications were awarded to "Angry Again" itself.[32] The song garnered significant airplay on US rock radio stations in the early 1990s, supporting Megadeth's ongoing promotion amid lineup stability.[33] As of November 2025, "Angry Again" has amassed over 75 million streams on Spotify, reflecting its enduring popularity in the digital era.[34]Production and personnel
Recording details
"Angry Again" was recorded in 1993 during breaks in Megadeth's Countdown to Extinction world tour.[3] The track was assembled in a studio in Phoenix, Arizona, as recalled by guitarist Marty Friedman.[35] This expedited process was necessitated by the tight deadline for inclusion on the Last Action Hero soundtrack, released in June 1993.[1] Frontman Dave Mustaine penned the song shortly after emerging from a rehabilitation program in Arizona, channeling his post-rehab mindset into a raw, aggressive vocal performance that captured the band's live tour energy.[27]Credits
"Angry Again" received sole songwriting credit to Dave Mustaine.[36] The track was produced by Dave Mustaine and Max Norman.[36] Max Norman also served as engineer and mixing engineer.[37]Personnel
- Dave Mustaine – vocals, rhythm guitar[38]
- Marty Friedman – lead guitar[38]
- David Ellefson – bass[38]
- Nick Menza – drums[38]